Balancing Law, Motherhood, and Learning: How Dominika Manages It All?
Juggling a legal career, being a mom, and studying. Dominika wears many hats and makes it work. But how?! In this interview, she shares her insights on life, as Kentico’s in-house lawyer, why she traded law firms for the in-house legal world, and how she keeps up with it all (hint: lots of coffee!). Get to know the person behind the legal work and her secret to stay positive, even on the busiest days.
Did you always dream of being a lawyer?
Well, being a lawyer was definitely one of the things I dreamed about as a little girl, but it wasn’t the only one! I also wanted to be a doctor—or a witch as I loved the idea of magic and the unknown.
You studied in Helsinki—such an amazing city! What brought you there?
I always wanted to go north to experience the nature, culture, and people. And sauna. It was a bit exotic for me. Plus, I wanted a strong university, and the University of Helsinki is one of the best in Europe. The law school was excellent, with great international professors who were experts in their fields.
How many cups of coffee a day does it take to be a lawyer and a mom?
I try to keep it at two cups a day, but honestly, I usually end up at three. It's still OK to be honest. But let’s just say I’m always on the edge of too much!
How do you balance being a lawyer and a mom?
Not going to lie, it’s hard. But I love my job, and I need that balance—work helps me feel fulfilled outside of being a mom. The hardest part is definitely time management and it can be overwhelming mentally. And you know how it is, some days, it’s a struggle, but overall, I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
Why did you choose to work as an in-house lawyer at Kentico instead of starting your own practice or joining a big law firm?
I worked in law firms as a student and later as a law clerk while preparing for the bar exam. I passed the exam too. However, I realized I wanted to understand businesses from the inside rather than just providing external legal advice. As an in-house lawyer, I can see the full picture, be part of the decision-making process, and understand the company’s operations beyond just legal matters.
You’ve been at Kentico for six months now—how has the experience been so far?
Crazy. But in the best way! Just when I started, within first two months, everything changed - I had a new boss, a new team, and much bigger responsibility as I am the only legal person here now. It was a lot, but I accepted the challenge, adapted very quickly, and it’s been such an incredible learning experience.
And how does that feel to be the only person in legal?
It can be stressful and overwhelming at times. Luckily, I have a supportive team, especially in finance department. Still, being responsible for all legal matters alone is challenging, but I was prepared for it from my previous work experience.
If you were hiring for your team, what qualities would you look for?
I would look for someone open-minded, curious, and capable of thinking outside the box. They should be independent yet able to communicate effectively with various departments—sales, finance, operations, and the executive team. A strategic thinker with a broad perspective, rather than just a legal mindset, would be ideal.
You are also studying Management in Healthcare—what drew you to this field?
Generally, I like to learn new things. And I always wanted to study economics, and I regret not doing it alongside law school. Having economics perspective is crucial for legal professionals, especially those in business law. This program gives me a new perspective and complements my role at Kentico.
Do you think studying at a university is still valuable compared to online learning?
For me, it is. If you’ve already finished a degree, further studies are about personal growth and curiosity. University studies provide a structured approach and networking opportunities that self-learning just can’t replace.
You always seem so full of energy and positivity—what’s your secret?
It’s a conscious choice. Of course, not every day is sunshine and rainbows, but I decide to make the best of it. I genuinely enjoy coming to work and being around my colleagues. The work environment at Kentico is friendly and supportive, which makes a huge difference compared to the competitive and often more closed and strict nature of law firms.
Do you ever feel like you should slow down?
I wish I could, but I feel like I can’t right now. I’ve promised myself that once I finish my studies, I’ll take a break—but knowing me, I’ll probably find something else to dive into!
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